Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF) is the new name of the facilities previously known as Research Service Centers. It was officially renamed NRF to provide a clearer description of the facilities and their purpose. NRF provides access and training for 48 major analytical instrumentation and techniques and 36 major nano/microfabrication instruments and tools in a 7000 sq. ft. class 100 – 1000 cleanroom.
NRF supports and enhances the research, education, and public service missions of the University of Florida by providing access to characterization and process instrumentation. Expert staff provides the assistance and guidance necessary so that students, faculty, and industry get the most effective and appropriate use of facility resources. The vision of NRF is to provide a unique research and training platform that supports the ability of cross-disciplinary efforts to use micro/nanoscale characterization and fabrication, 3D imaging, heterogeneous integration, and packaging technologies at the intersection of science, engineering, and society to foster invention, sustainable economic growth, and national resilience. The NRF is on Center Drive across from the New Engineering Building (NEB).
The facilities’ renaming coincided with the inaugural meeting of the NRF External Advisory Board (EAB). The EAB membership includes representatives from academic organizations, national labs, large, medium, and small industries, and start-up companies. The board met on October 15, and the members were updated about the facility’s operations and activities. They toured the labs and cleanroom and provided valuable strategic advice to the NRF leadership. The NRF also receives input and guidance from an internal NRF Faculty Advisory Committee that meets regularly to discuss matters of interest to internal facility users.